Acupuncture For Pregnancy

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine that is still in use today, with some of the earliest records of this practice dating circa 100 BCE. It has its origins China, having been used mainly for pain relief and the treatment of various ailments. 

Acupuncture has been key in the management of conditions that affect the nervous system, and over time has grown to the management of discomfort during pregnancy. We shall be looking at the benefit of doing acupuncture while pregnant and highlight reasons to consider it. 

What Do Acupuncture Practitioners Do?

A practitioner, or acupuncturist typically possesses a thorough understanding of the nervous system. This allows them to accurately insert very thin needles into the skin, in regions of the body where there are significant amounts of nerves, without causing harm. 

For people who are averse to needles, acupressure has been of similar benefit as acupuncture. The difference being that a practitioner stimulates the same nerve rich pressure points using their fingers rather than needles, similar to what a massage therapist would do. 

Acupuncture During Pregnancy

The physical, emotional and mental strain of carrying a baby to term creates varied levels of pain, discomfort, anxiety and stress among pregnant people. Naturally, concerns arise regarding the side effects of using prescribed drugs for relief, for both mother and child.  

Among the alternatives available, acupuncture has been recommended by obstetricians as it has been observed to aid in relaxation, which improves restfulness in patients, as well as help in the management of discomfort during pregnancy. 

Benefits of Acupuncture While Pregnant

A study published in the National Institutes of Health found that acupuncture was an effective treatment in the relief of perceived stress in pregnant people.

Stress during pregnancy can have adverse negative effects on both mother and child, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Acupuncture while pregnant improves the quality of sleep, improves blood sugar and blood pressure, as well, reduces stress and supports a healthy pregnancy. 

Safety of Acupuncture While Pregnant

The safety of any medical procedure during pregnancy is a legitimate concern, and acupuncture is no exception. The most common concerns include pain, bruising, injury, needle hygiene, infection, and inducing early labor. 

Pain

Piercing the skin in order to get the acupuncture needles to adhere to the skin may cause pain if the needles are incorrectly placed. Typically however, this is not the case and the proper placement of needles results in an acupuncture experience that is usually pain-free. 

Needle Hygiene

For hygiene purposes, FDA approved, sterilized disposable stainless steel needles are used during acupuncture. This mitigates the risk of infection or contracting a bloodborne disease. The quality of these needles is regulated in the same way that the quality of other medical devices is regulated by the FDA. 

Bruising or Injury

Some people bruise easily or may have conditions that may cause them to be more susceptible to bruising. Ideally, the correct placement of the needles prevents any bruising or injury. However any susceptibility to bruising must be reported to the acupuncturist ahead of the procedure.

Preterm Labor

If you intend on having acupuncture treatments during the third trimester of your pregnancy, you must get your doctor's approval before proceeding. Although a professional acupuncturist is well aware of the areas not to engage to avoid inducing labor, acupuncture at this stage still carries a risk of going into preterm labor.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is an effective medical treatment for many illnesses as well as the management of pain and symptoms associated with other diseases. 

When properly done, the pain is minimal to none. In pregnancy, symptoms that can be overbearing are better managed and alleviated, improving the overall wellbeing of the expectant mother. 

Acupuncture should not be substituted for proper treatment and management of diseases and conditions. It should also not be used as a replacement for any prescribed medication. 

There may be some risks associated with acupuncture, as is with any medical treatment, therefore consult with your doctor beforehand to determine if acupuncture is suitable for you during pregnancy. 

If you have more questions regarding acupuncture while pregnant, contact Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine today. Our compassionate team of experts is happy to assist and support you, whatever stage of your family planning journey you are in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if acupuncture is good for my pregnancy?

The best way is by speaking to your healthcare provider first. They are best suited to recommend acupuncture based on your specific needs.

What should I look for in an acupuncturist when I am pregnant?

An acupuncturist should ideally be licensed or certified with a good track record and specific experience in doing acupuncture on pregnant persons. Note that every State has its own standards of licensing and certifiation. 

How much does acupuncture cost during pregnancy?

The cost of acupuncture varies based on the practitioner, as well as the number of sessions you would require. Contact your health insurance provider to know if your plan covers acupuncture costs.

Is an acupuncturist a medical doctor?

A medical doctor can be a licensed acupuncturist, but not all are, and neither is every acupuncturist a medical doctor. A medical doctor is qualified to recommend acupuncture as a treatment option, and unless an acupuncturist is a medical doctor, they are not licensed to diagnose disease.